The ABC’s of Skin Cancer

In order to prevent skin cancer and melanoma, resulting from over-exposure,  it is important to understand what the causes are for these conditions:

Most often, skin cancer is caused by too much exposure to the sun and its UV rays.  Overexposure is classified as too much time exposed to intense sunlight either from being outdoors or artificial sunlight from tanning beds.  This is especially true if you experienced sunburns or blisters as a child and especially as an adult.

It’s as easy as A, B, C, D & E.

If you have a mole that takes on any of the characteristics below, it’s a good idea to get checked by a dermatologist ASAP.

A: Asymmetry – if the mole takes on an irregular shape or is bumpy;
B: Border – if the edges of the mole are jagged;
C: Color – if there is more than one color in the mole;
D: Diameter – if the mole is bigger than a pencil head eraser;
E: Evolution – if the mole changes over time.

This is not meant to create fear, but rather to create AWARENESS.

Skin cancer and melanoma are all about PREVENTION!

• Shade: Especially during midday hours
• Clothing:  Tightly woven fabric offers the best protection for protecting exposed skin
• Hats: For the most protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck
• Sunglasses:  Most sunglasses block both UVA and UVB rays
• SUNSCREEN:  Wear at least SPF 15 and make sure it is “broad spectrum” to block both UVA and UVB rays and remember to….

Reapply!  Reapply!  Reapply!  Did you know that two minutes of exposure without sun protection creates an enzyme in the skin that destroys collagen?  Most sunscreens are cream based, which means they are organic and cause a chemical reaction that inactivates the sun protective activity.  This is why it is critical to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours!

To avoid chemicals all together, using a physical block such as a pure mineral sunscreen* is recommended,  but must also be reapplied.

*Colorescience is the ONLY all natural oil-free, chemical-free and dye-free mineral sunscreen